So it’s Powerball time. A record -- apparently a world record -- $1.5 billion is on the line for some lucky person(s).

We have all asked or at least thought, “What would you do if ...?” It’s a fun question, much like if you had three wishes. New house, new car, give to charity; we have been through the drill. At $1.5 billion, that drill changes some but the premise is still the same -- for most people in our country, their lives as they know it would change.

Today, in the spirit of Powerball, take the “What would you do” and change it up a little. Ask, “What if our community won $1.5 billion?”

Now, before we get into the spending of hypothetical dollars, people should understand we realize no one gets a check for $1.5 billion. Taxes are taken out. Someone might ask for a lump sum instead of payments over a period of time. There is even a chance more than one lucky ticket will have the winning numbers. But for the sake of this piece, we ask: What if our community struck lottery gold? What then?

When you come into such winnings, channel your inner Dave Ramsey (financial wizard) and pay off your debt. To become “debt-free,” our community would need to write a check for $524 million to cover the principal owed on that debt (as of Aug. 31, 2015, according to the Texas Bond Review Board). Consider it done. Our community will appreciate the thought of our taxing entities operating with a blank slate and not having to pay the nearly $300 million in interest that the TBRB says was still owed as of Aug. 31.

Money left: $976 million.

Next, set aside money for education, which is the top priority in our community. My wish list starts with the expansion of Early College High School, arguably the greatest success story in our district over the last decade. This community would also build a third high school that would be used for magnet and technical education purposes. The combination would move Midland toward an education system that meets the needs of a growing community and continues momentum on its strongest and most popular programs while keeping Midland High and Lee as viable options for those students seeking that more traditional high school experience. We could then earmark money for secondary improvements that bring current facilities up-to-date in terms of usefulness, technology and for reconfiguration. Cost would be $200 million.

Money left: $776 million

We figure a growing community needs the best roads possible to help its residents to get from point A to B. Unfortunately, the cost of road development is going through the roof. One phase of the Briarwood Avenue expansion will cost our taxpayers up to $8.62 million, and two more phases are to follow. We know there are more road projects to follow, including Mockingbird Lane expansion and a north-south thoroughfare needed near the Scharbauer Sports Complex from Thomason Drive to Business 20. The dollars quickly add up, and we are not holding our breath that the state can come close to giving back Midland what it has put into the system during the oil boom. And as we know, no one runs for public office promising to maintain roads, and our current roads feel like it. Set aside $125 million.

Money left: $651 million.

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin needs to finish the fundraising for its $69 million engineering building, which will be located on its Midland campus. House Bill 100, passed by the Legislature in 2015 and signed by the governor, will provide $48 million. The University of Texas system could add more. Still, we should set aside $30 million to finish off the project and to provide a little extra for an endowment. The building will help accommodate UTPB’s fastest-growing department. Midland should do its part.

Money left: $621 million.

In 1999, Midland voters passed a referendum to take on debt to build what became the Scharbauer Sports Complex, the dual-stadium facility on Midland’s west side. Unfortunately, those campaigning for the complex didn’t know or warn Midland residents that building a complex of that size and with so many bells and whistles would require tens of millions of dollars just for upkeep during the life of the complex, not to mention the millions of dollars needed for operations. This was something Midland voters should have been told about during the campaign for such a facility. Should city leaders ever bring a similar project before Midland voters, they owe it to the community to reveal the dollar amount needed for upkeep and operations for that project. We would provide $30 million for upkeep with a commitment that no future sales tax revenue ever be used for maintenance or operations of the Scharbauer Sports Complex.

Money left: $591 million.

Thanks to City Council’s decision to use the hotel-motel fund, a new Midland Center has become a reality. When the facility -- with a projected price tag of up to $40 million -- is completed, taxing entities can remove from their plate projects involving new convention facilities or the expansion of current ones, including the Horseshoe.

Money left: $551 million.

The little things. There are other items that should be funded.

-- If this community is serious about positioning itself in the aerospace industry, money should be set aside for a Spaceport Business Park ($15 million).

-- An upgrade to Washington Aquatic Complex similar to what the city did at Doug Russell ($4 million).

-- It’s time to get serious about the unicorn of parks projects: the Hike and Bike Trail. Dedicate $20 million, and left over money should be used for renovations of other city parks.

-- Lastly, distribute about $40 million among area nonprofits and church-backed initiatives.

The thing about lists like this is the desire to spend everything. We are not going to do that. With what has been committed there would be a little less than one-third left.

In keeping with education being the No. 1 priority, there are other education-related initiatives for which the community will need funds: the current project associated with Educate Texas and funding pre-K for every child who attends Midland ISD (not a small price tag).

The community’s infrastructure -- besides roads -- is another addition to our list.

We believe that when the cost of oil heads back up -- and it will at some point -- this community is prepared to move quick for the next development that should take place.

We have gone through this exercise -- not just to see how long it would take us to spend $1.5 billion -- but to show this community has real priorities that demand our attention. The truth is, Powerball magic won’t solve the problems in our community and how those will be paid off.

This community owes more than $800 million in total debt payments. It is too dependent on the state and federal governments for roads. Education is underfunded for what really makes sense for this community, and truthfully new buildings won’t solve most problems.

So the next time community leaders talk about what makes sense for our community, make sure your voice is heard whether you agree or disagree. There just might be plans for spending money that makes sense for some, but does that mean it makes sense for the entire community and what it needs right now? Will it leave our community with unnecessarily empty pockets when priorities come to the forefront?